Plantar fasciitis for Vikings' Kevin Williams

Tuesday brought two important developments for Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams. In order:

1.) A foot specialist diagnosed him with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation on the bottom of his left foot that likely will force him to sit out the rest of the preseason. But if that's the worst of it, the Vikings should consider themselves lucky. Plantar fasciitis is no joke, but any trip to a foot specialist that doesn't end in the word "fracture" or include "Lis Franc" has to be considered a success. At this point, the injury isn't expected to keep him out of a regular season game.

2.)Many of you have been asking when and if Williams will be suspended for violating the NFL's policy on banned substances. Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the NFL and NFL Players Association are still negotiating discipline terms under the new collective bargaining agreement. One likely scenario, however, would create two tiers designed to separate punishment for use of diuretics and the use of steroids. If that happens, Williams' suspension would be for two games rather than four or six.


* Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain.